Garissa governor Nathif Jama on Wednesday said that way forward for the country and counties, in particular, was having municipalities.
Speaking during the swearing-in Ceremony of Dadaab Municipality members that was held at the County Headquarters, Governor Jama said the Municipality attract support from donors something he said leads to rapid development in the towns.
“The way forward for our country and for the counties, in particular, is the municipalities. That is where the action is supposed to take place. That is where a lot of funding is supposed to go to. Indeed that is why we as key stakeholders of devolution believe by creating this municipality we are also devolving devolution further,” he said.
Jama who has already seen the elevation of Masalani to municipality status said the new board members have their job cut out.
“I feel extremely happy that we are proceeding along this course and I have no doubt the values of what we are doing will be realized sooner than later. I do not doubt that monies will flow there so that we can also limit or rush people from the sub-counties to the Garissa offices. We will ensure that our municipalities are going to be active and work well,” he said.
Jama who disclosed that he was with the Masalani municipality board members for training challenged those charged with the responsibility of ensuring that they are run well to do their best.
He disclosed that the elevation ceremony that is slated for August will see top dignitaries attend among them President William Ruto.
The Governor noted that the fact that Dadaab has hosted refugees for decades makes it internationally known.
Dadaab MCA Mohamed Abdi Farah said the elevation and the conferment of the area to the level of the municipality will also serve as a catalyst for growth and development.
He further said the delivery of urban services will promote the socio-economic status of the area thus creating numerous job opportunities for the local people.
“Today's event is particularly historical and close to my heart as the area MCA. It gives me a sense of happiness and excitement knowing that Dadaab will now be autonomous in terms of resource mobilization and revenue collection, and also be able to get grants and funding from the Kenya Urban Support program,” said Farah who is commonly known as Abow.
Farah who is the only MCA serving his third term promised to closely with the board members challenging them to address the challenges facing the residents including garbage collection, roads and drainage.
The swearing that was presided over by Garissa Chief Magistrate Stephen Mbungi saw members Abdullahi Omar Musa – Chairman, Zeinab Abdi Hussein - Vice-chair, Municipality CEO Mohamed Abdi Ali and five others sworn in.
Among the functions that will be performed by the municipality include promotion, regulation and provision of refuse collection and solid waste management services.
Others are the promotion and provision of water and sanitation services and infrastructure (in areas within the Municipality not served by the Water and Sanitation Provider).
The status will further attract investors and residents will enjoy more development in infrastructure, agriculture, drainage, education and other social amenities.
According to the urban areas and Cities Act of 2011, a municipality must have a population of 70,000 to 249,000.
Additionally, it should have an integrated development plan and demonstrable capacity to generate sufficient revenue to sustain its operations.
It should also have sufficient space for expansion, as well as the capacity to effectively deliver essential services to its residents, among other requirements.